Cerebral palsy is the most commonly occurring motor disability in childhood. It is not a single illness; cerebral palsy actually refers to a group of syndromes that develop as a result of injury to specific parts of the brain. This kind of trauma is sometimes preventable and can be sustained during birth but is usually permanent. It can affect a person’s movement, limit their ability to perform specific actions and, depending on its severity, lead to a restricted lifestyle and the need for long-term assistance.
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Causes and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can be caused by the following:
- Physical trauma to the brain’s white matter, which is responsible for controlling motor functions.
- Abnormal brain development as a result of, for example, gene mutations.
- Bleeding in the brain of an infant or an unborn child.
- Inadequate oxygen supply in the brain, a condition known as hypoxia.
- Negligence on the part of hospital staff via inadequate testing of the mother or the baby prior to the delivery, the incorrect use of birthing devices, or incorrect dosages of labor-inducing drugs or other medications.
These factors and injuries that can lead to cerebral palsy often occur when a child is being delivered, but their effects may not manifest for months later. Some parents may notice that their child has difficulty moving in certain ways by the time the child is between three and six months old, but milder forms of cerebral palsy may only result in visible symptoms by the time the child is preschool age.
Common symptoms of cerebral palsy include:
- Abnormal muscle tone.
- Unnatural posture or an inability to maintain proper posture.
- Difficulty controlling the head.
- Excessive drooling.
- Communication issues.
- Problems hearing or seeing.
- Impaired cognitive development.
- Weakness and musculoskeletal problems.
- Epilepsy or erratic movements of varying degrees.
As a person who suffers from cerebral palsy ages, his or her symptoms may change, but it is important to note that the underlying cause of the illness is permanent; once sustained, brain damage is irreversible. Infants and small children may at first have issues with motor functions, but as he or she ages, related issues such as malnutrition, an inability to walk, stiff muscles, and behavioral issues can cause the individual to suffer more serious illnesses such as low bone density and frequent breaks or fractures.
For more information contact our cerebral palsy lawyer now.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Facing the Long-Term Effects of Cerebral Palsy
As mentioned above, cerebral palsy is a permanent condition. There are no known causes for it when it occurs naturally, but brain damage—including damage sustained by a baby during delivery—can lead to the complications characterized by cerebral palsy. Depending on the severity of the case, over the course of the patient’s lifetime, he or she may require physical and emotional therapy, occupational training, strength and conditioning rehabilitation, medication, and even surgery.
After receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis, you will have a lot to take care of. You will first need a precise determination of the cause, extent, and location of your child’s injuries because these factors will determine the recovery regimen that best suits your child. You may also have to take time off from work, find care or treatment facilities, or arrange finances to pay for your child’s care.
Doing all of this while simultaneously caring for your child can quickly prove to be overwhelming. By seeking the assistance of a Paterson cerebral palsy lawyer, you can focus on the care of your child and leave the legal and insurance complexities of your case to us.
Paterson Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
How a Paterson Cerebral Palsy Lawyer May Be Able to Help You
This is how our we can help:
- We will walk you through everything you need to know regarding birth injury malpractice claims.
- We will connect you with medical experts who will help determine whether or not malpractice or negligence played a part in causing your child’s injuries.
- We will help you determine whether or not your child’s doctor or delivery team owed you a duty of care.
- If they did owe you a duty of care, we will work to substantiate that, and if they breached that duty, we will help you gather the evidence needed to prove that breach.
- We will gather all the relevant medical information pertaining to your case in order to put together what is known as a letter of intent to sue.
- We will help you identify and then quantify all of the damages to which you may be entitled, including lost time from work, medical care costs, and therapy costs.
- If those responsible for your child’s injuries move to seek an out-of-court settlement, we will help you negotiate your damages payout.
- If a fair and amicable settlement cannot be agreed upon, we will represent you in court until your case is decided.
If your child suffered a birth-related injury and developed cerebral palsy as a result, you may have the right to file for damages. The Paterson cerebral palsy lawyers from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group will work with you to identify the type of cerebral palsy your child has, quantify the damages and losses your family has suffered therefrom, and file a claim on your behalf so that you and your loved ones can get your lives back on track. Call us today at (800) 222-9529.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."